Old English Sheepdog vs French Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Old English Sheepdog
Herding Group
French Spaniel
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Old English Sheepdog Overview
Majestic and shaggy, the Old English Sheepdog boasts a distinctive bear-like appearance with a thick, weather-resistant double coat. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage. Standing 22-24 inches at the shoulder, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their most striking feature is the abundant coat that flows over their eyes, giving them their characteristic peaked appearance.
French Spaniel Overview
French Spaniels are elegant sporting dogs with a distinctive white coat marked by brown patches. Their medium-sized, athletic build features a noble head carriage, pendulous ears, and expressive eyes reflecting their gentle nature. Standing 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder, these dogs possess a balanced structure ideal for both field work and companionship, complemented by their intelligent expression and graceful movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Old English Sheepdogs are less energetic than French Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Old English Sheepdogs require more grooming attention compared to French Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Old English Sheepdogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than French Spaniels.
- Trainability: Old English Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Old English Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: French Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Old English Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Old English Sheepdog and French Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart | Gentle, Sociable, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Old English Sheepdog | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Old English Sheepdog Temperament
The Old English Sheepdog is known for being adaptable, gentle, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
French Spaniel Temperament
The French Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, sociable, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Old English Sheepdog and French Spaniel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Old English Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Old English Sheepdogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Old English Sheepdogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
French Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, French Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Old English Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Deafness
- Thyroid Issues
French Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Old English Sheepdog
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming requirements
- Can be stubborn
- Requires significant exercise
French Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with families
- Intelligent
- Gentle temperament
Cons
- Needs extensive exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not suited for apartment living
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Old English Sheepdog and French Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.